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Houseplant Encyclopedia

Encyclopedia of popular houseplants with care guides, traits, and placement tips.

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Showing 7 of 134 species

Bengal Fig

Bengal Fig

Ficus benghalensis

Beginner

Popular interior plant with white trunk and large rounded leaves. Similar to Ficus umbellata but with thicker leaves and stronger presence. Vigorous in bright spots.

Beginner-friendlyLargeInterior
Burgundy Rubber Plant

Burgundy Rubber Plant

Ficus elastica 'Burgundy'

Beginner

A rubber plant with deep burgundy leaves that complements sophisticated spaces.

FoliageFicusBurgundy
Council Tree© KENPEI / CC BY-SA 3.0

Council Tree

Ficus altissima

Beginner

A fig sold mainly as large potted plants with glossy leaves variegated yellow or lime. In the wild it is a Southeast Asian 'strangler fig' that grows into a large tree.

FicusAltissimaVariegated
Creeping Fig© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

Creeping Fig

Ficus pumila

Beginner

A climbing fig with tiny heart-shaped leaves about 2 cm long that clings to walls and rocks with aerial roots. Native to warm parts of Japan as well.

FicusCreeping figClimber
Fiddle Leaf Fig© Cillas / CC BY-SA 4.0

Fiddle Leaf Fig

Ficus lyrata

Intermediate

A houseplant characterized by large violin-shaped leaves. Very popular as an interior statement tree.

FicusFiddle leafStatement tree
Triangle Fig© Forest & Kim Starr / CC BY 3.0

Triangle Fig

Ficus natalensis subsp. leprieurii

Beginner

An African fig with roughly triangular leaves. Sold as Ficus triangularis, it is now treated as a subspecies of Ficus natalensis.

FicusTriangular leavesAfrica
Weeping Fig© Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz / CC BY-SA 4.0

Weeping Fig

Ficus benjamina

Beginner

A fig with small, glossy, pointed leaves on gracefully drooping branches; its Japanese standard name means 'weeping banyan'. Braided-trunk plants and variegated cultivars are common. It tends to drop leaves when moved.

FicusWeeping figBraided trunk
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Houseplant FAQ

How much do houseplants cost?
Common Pothos and small Monstera cost 500-3,000 yen, variegated Monstera 10,000-100,000+ yen, and rare Philodendrons can reach tens to hundreds of thousands of yen.
Can beginners grow houseplants?
Pothos, Sansevieria, and Pachira are shade-tolerant and hardy, making them easy for beginners. Once you learn the watering schedule, they're hard to kill and great for indoor enjoyment.
What should I check when buying houseplants?
Check for well-established roots, leaves free of disease spots or pests, and no excessive stretching. After purchase, avoid sudden environment changes and acclimate gradually.
Why do houseplants die?
Root rot from overwatering is the most common cause. Water only when the soil surface is dry. Insufficient light is the next most common issue, so ensure proper brightness for your variety.
How long do houseplants live?
With proper care, houseplants can thrive for decades. Monstera and rubber plants commonly live for many decades, and you can propagate them through cuttings and division.